National Award-Winning Malayalam Actress Kalpana Passes Away At 51

National award-winning actress Kalpana, who appeared in more than 300 films including the recent superhit Charlie, died of a heart attack on Monday in Hyderabad. She was 51.

Born as Kalpana Ranjani, the actress was known for her impeccable comic timing and had received a National Award for her performance in the 2013 film Thanichalla Njan. She was in Hyderabad to shoot for a Telugu film and was scheduled to leave for Kerala later in the day.

According to a report in The News Minute, Kalpana was rushed to Apollo Hospital early on Monday morning after she was found unconscious. Doctors suspect that she died due to a heart attack, but have not yet decided whether to conduct a post-mortem.

Sister of actors Urvashi and Kalaranjini, Kalpana forayed into the Malayalam films as a child actor in Vidarunne Mottukul in 1977.

Her Malayalam hits include films such as, Ennum Eppuzhum, Karnavar, Dolfins, Bangalore Days and Spirit.

Kakki Sattai, Idhaya Thiruda, Sathi Leelavathi and Chinna Veedu are some of her well-known Tamil films.

The actress' body is expected to be brought to Kerala later today. She is survived by her 16-year-old daughter Sreemayi.

The Malayalam film fraternity expressed shock at the demise of the actress, who was best known for her comic roles in South Indian films.

Veteran actor Nedumudi Venu told The News Minute, "She used to treat any disease she had very lightly. She was never one of those who would speak about what ailed her. Last week, she acted with Maniyanpilla Raju and he told me that she was very active."